The Denver Parade of Homes' design challenge asked three different design teams to style three homes from the same set of furniture.

Imagine you’re a home designer. You’re given a stock set of furniture, a home to decorate, and you get to go up against two competitors who’ve also got the same couches, chairs, occasional tables and master-bedroom set – but in different homes.

That’s what three designers — Lauren Matthews of White Orchid Interiors; Jodi Rutherford and Susie Murphy of Design Lines; and Rutherford and Kris Yellen, also of Design Lines — took on in this year’s Denver Parade of Homes, which kicked off Aug. 9 and continues every Thursday, Friday, Saturday and Sunday through Labor Day weekend.

The homes are open 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. and the event is free. The parade’s website can search for homes in your area, customize a map and there’s even a mobile app to steer you to the ones you want to see.

Ikea's iconic heart pillow with arms, the Famnig Hjärta, designed by Anna Efverlund.

Ikea Centennial announced Monday that pillows, blankets, flashlights and food are among the donations headed to victims and firefighters of Colorado’s High Park Fire.

The donations, totaling about $20,000, are scheduled to arrive Tuesday morning (June 26) at the Larimer County Donations Collection Center at the Foothills Mall, 215 E. Foothills Pkwy., Fort Collins, and will be distributed by emergency response personnel.

In addition to the donation, the store is offering High Park Fire victims a one-time 20 percent discount for a new IKEA kitchen and 30 percent off items for the rest of the home, up to $10,000. IKEA Centennial will also cover the cost of delivery.

Decorating inspiration from Rifle Paper Co.: Florida-based stationary maven Anna Bond is but one of today’s creatives who are modernizing garden and floral motifs.

Decorating tip: Create a quick, fresh summer makeover with fabrics and accents at home that feature a similarly updated take on a classic look. For quick, affordable, new wall art that speaks to the trend, consider framing and hanging a piece of fabric or high-quality art paper.

Becky Hensley is the co-founder of Share Denver - a community craft space in Park Hill. She's also the proud Ninja-in Chief of the Denver Craft Ninjas -- a women’s crafting collective dedicated to keeping the DIY spirit alive through laughter, shared skills, and cocktails.

Colorado native Mark Montano is an international designer, artist, author and television personality. He has appeared on TLC’s “While You Were Out” and “10 Years Younger,” as well as “My Celebrity Home” on the Style Network, “She’s Moving In” on We TV, “The Tony Danza Show” on ABC, and “My Home 2.0” on Fox.